Delays on Fairland gabion project destroys oasis
What was once a peaceful green oasis in Fairland Estate has been reduced to a hazardous construction site, where a gaping crater outside one resident’s home now symbolises months of delays, environmental damage, and uncertainty.
Residents of Fairland Estate say their patience has run out as the long-delayed Fairland gabions project spirals deeper into uncertainty.
The project, which began in June last year and was expected to be completed within five months, has dragged on for nearly a year.
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What was once billed as essential infrastructure work has instead become a source of anxiety, disruption, and growing safety concerns for the residents on-site.
Upon the publication’s visit on May 5, JMS projects – the appointed contractor – was not on-site.
This stands in contrast to Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) previous communication, in which head of department Kwazelela Mcetywa stated that payments had been made and that outstanding amounts would be settled between April 28 and May 3.
On the ground, however, residents describe a vastly different reality.
Arlene Mania says construction activity has been inconsistent from the start. “It’s been noisy, erratic, and full of stoppages. At the end of every month, we get about two weeks where nothing happens because workers haven’t been paid. Then they promise big teams and quick progress, but it never materialises.”
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Instead of nearing completion, Mania says the site remains unfinished and hazardous. “There’s a massive crater in front of my house that hasn’t been filled. It’s slippery, dangerous, and ugly. When it rains, I worry my garden, or even my front wall, could collapse. There are children, animals, elderly people — and there seems to be no concern for anyone’s safety.”
She said the surrounding environment has also been severely impacted. What was once described as a green, tranquil area has been reduced to what Mania calls a disaster zone.
“It used to be beautiful – like an oasis in the middle of the city. Now it looks like a devastated quarry. There’s rubble, piles of sand, and no sign of life. The birds and small animals are gone. It’s heartbreaking.”
With just days left before the May 15 deadline, slow progress highlights how much work remains left.
JRA was contacted via email and WhatsApp on May 5. We await an update from them.
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